Special Needs Planning: Education Planning

Undoubtedly, you want your child to receive the best education possible. To assure this outcome requires that you become your child's advocate and a participant in your child's education plan. Step one is an understanding of the education laws that apply to children with disabilities.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)  The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires that special needs children receive:

• A free appropriate public education from ages 3 through 21.
• Education provided as close to home as possible with children who do not have disabilities.
• Additional services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy or a classroom aide, which are designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for employment and independent living.
• An assessment to determine their needs.

The law provides two guarantees:

Individualized Education Plan (IEP)  The IEP is a written statement of your child's abilities and impairments. It's developed by a team that includes you, school district personnel and educational professionals who have evaluated your child and his or her abilities. The IEP must be reviewed at least annually.

Due Process  As a parent, you have both rights and responsibilities in relation to your child's IEP. Due process provides a mechanism for resolution of any disagreements regarding a child's IEP.

Before your child approaches age 22, you are advised to have a plan in place to address the issues that are sure to arise as your child transitions out of the public education system. Depending on the nature of your child's disability, this plan may include additional educational or vocational services, work, or ongoing rehabilitation and medical services. Planning for these needs requires research done on your part years before your child reaches age 22. Many special needs children are of average or above average intellect. There are many colleges whose programs may be appropriate for your son or daughter. If he or she can obtain a college degree, it will greatly enhance employability.